Arsenal face Liverpool battle for £30m Nottingham Forest defender

March 29, 2026 DailyAFC Staff

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Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Nottingham Forest defender Murillo during the summer transfer window, but face strong competition from Liverpool for the Brazilian’s signature.

The 22-year-old has emerged as one of the standout defenders in the Premier League despite Forest’s struggles this season. His consistent performances at the City Ground have caught the attention of multiple top-flight clubs looking to strengthen their defensive options.

Gunners monitoring Brazilian star

According to Team Talk, Arsenal have been closely monitoring Murillo’s progress and view him as a player capable of further strengthening their defensive unit. The north London side believe the Brazilian could provide valuable depth and competition in their backline.

While Gabriel and William Saliba have formed an impressive centre-back partnership under Mikel Arteta, Murillo’s ability to perform consistently at a high level within a struggling Forest side has enhanced his appeal to the Gunners.

Arsenal also have other defensive targets on their radar, including Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera, who have both impressed this campaign. However, Murillo remains a particularly attractive option given his proven Premier League experience.

Liverpool enter the race

The Gunners’ pursuit of Murillo will not be straightforward, with Liverpool also tracking the defender’s situation at the City Ground. The Merseyside club’s interest reflects the widespread recognition of the Brazilian’s quality and potential among England’s elite clubs.

Both Arsenal and Liverpool possess the financial resources and stature to make compelling offers for Murillo, which could lead to a highly competitive transfer battle. The player’s final decision may ultimately depend on various factors including guaranteed playing time, the club’s long-term vision, and financial terms offered.

Forest’s difficult campaign could result in several high-profile departures at the end of the season, with Murillo among the players attracting the most attention from Premier League rivals. His reliability and defensive quality have made him one of the club’s most valuable assets.

With interest from multiple elite sides, the summer transfer window could present Murillo with the opportunity to take the next step in his career at one of England’s biggest clubs.